Dawn and Devilry is the third book in the Lexie Carrigan Chronicles, and follows Gavon's story in two parts.
In Part I, eighteen-year-old Gavon McKinnon has lived his entire life in the shadow of his fellow Warrior, Cyrus. Even his own mother, the formidable Guildmaster Alexandra, treats him like the spare he is. Until one day, Gavon makes a tear between the only world he's ever known and a brand new one — and finds himself in 1989 Salem where he comes across a very pretty, and very reckless girl named Mora Carrigan.
And in Part II, twelve years have passed since Gavon arrived in Salem and Gavon and Mora are parents to a couple of precocious toddlers. But not everyone is happy that two magical children exist outside the strict Danvers Accords. And when Mora becomes pregnant with a third — this time a Warrior — Gavon begins to feel the pressure of balancing life in two worlds.
The story concludes with a present-day epilogue that sets the stage for Book 4, Illusion and Indemnity, the final book in the Lexie Carrigan Chronicles.
S. Usher Evans is an author, blogger, and witty banter aficionado. Born in Pensacola, Florida, she left the sleepy town behind for the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C.. There, she somehow landed jobs with BBC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Television before finally settling into a "real job" as an IT consultant. After a quarter life crisis at age 27, she decided consulting was for the birds and rekindled a childhood passion for writing novels. She sold everything she owned and moved back to Pensacola, where she currently resides with her two dogs, Zoe and Mr. Biscuit.
Dawn and Devilry, my friends, ended up being a big roller coaster of emotions and I loved every second of it. After the first two books in the Lexie Carrigan Chronicles I was dying to know more about Gavon, his story, and the world beyond the tear he created. And you bet I was sold the moment I saw that this book would finally give us many of the answers we’ve been craving for!
I loved how Evans lets us see not only Gavon and Mora’s story and how their relationship blossomed, but also Gavon’s life. I really enjoyed getting to know him as a young boy and the way he struggled in his daily life with Cyrus and his mother Alexandra as they trained for the position of Guildmaster. Another aspect I really enjoyed about his story was the way we see him trying to understand why he and his people are the enemy and why they’re so dangerous not only to Irene’s family and other magicians, but to everyone else on this new and fascinating world. And, as we all know, I loved how we’re able to meet and get to know Lexie’s mom and see how things were before little Lexie came to be—and Cyrus decided it would be cool to pay them a visit. And all I have to say about the relationship between Mora and Gavon is that it was…the sweetest thing ever…and they deserved better, okay? That’s it. I’m done. I’m not ready to re-open this wound!
As usual, Evans writing was great. It was easy to follow and that helped me get back on track with the Lexie world after all this time! I also loved the way she gets us into New Salem and lets us see how everything worked since the beginning and how they changed once Gavon started visiting and discovering the “real” world along with Mora. And since I’d been dying since book one to know more about this mysterious world beyond that enigma of a tear, I really enjoyed how New Salem was shown and how its progress was represented through the years as Gavon became an adult and started implementing actual food from the city and so on. Another thing I really enjoyed about the portrayal of this place is that it helps us understand Gavon’s dilemma re: closing the tear and leaving the people he grew up with behind, or keeping it open and helping them prosper.
Besides Gavon, we get to meet a handful of new characters like Alexandra, Uncle Ashley, members of the council of New Salem, and other characters that were willing to do anything for their warriors. Something I loved about these new characters is that most of them held powerful positions and were there to help Gavon grow and realize some things he was trying to ignore—like what his future in New Salem could be like if this or that happened and so on. But the good news is that we also get to reunite with some familiar characters from a different and closer perspective like: Mora, Irene, Cyrus, Jeanie, and even baby Nicole and Marie—which were adorable by the way! I found it really interesting to meet again with these characters from a different perspective and I believe it was a great way to remind us how some people change with time while others not so much—if you’ve read the series you might get an idea of who I’m talking about.
In the end, Dawn and Devilry was a great and very needed addition to the Lexie Carrigan Chronicles that answers many questions yet brings forth a set of new ones after that wonderful present-time epilogue. Which, by the way, gives you a pretty good idea of just how interesting things are about to get in the final Lexie Carrigan book “Illusion and Indemnity”—which comes out next week and you should totally check out!
FTC: I didn’t pay for this one.. I finished the book 2, “Magic and Mayhem” the night before I had breakfast with the author and I openly told her that I called her an asshole the night before because my stupid self thought all the Lexie books were out. SHE OFFERED TO EMAIL ME THE FINAL TWO. SERIOUSLY? Who WOULDN’T say yes to that?
I’m going to be splitting this bad boy up into parts as the book is formatted. During my part 1 review keep in mind that I have not finished the book yet!
Part 1
I will update this when I’ve actually finished this highly entertaining book.
Part 2 Updates! ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
I will admit when I learned that book three would break from Lexie and give us Gavon's backstory I was a little worried cause I didn't know just how good the story would be and was worried that it would detract from Lexie's story. But I had no reason to worry, S Usher Evans once again gives us a story that you just want to sit down and read before doing anything else. We learn of his motivations and the reasoning behind what he has down in regards to the tear and his time with Mora and Clan Carrigan. And even though we know what is coming in the final chapters of this book it is still heartwrenching to read it and see how it is effecting Gavon and the relationships he has built up with those on the other side of the tear. This is such an excellent read like I have said before you won't want to put it down. Now when I read book four I will have a better understanding of some of the motivations going on with at least Gavon.
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story. Book 3 in this series is slightly different from the rest of the series, as it is told from Gavon’s perspective, at two different times. We see the actions that transpired prior to the start of the series, from when he met Mora, to Lexie’s birth. I think this was my favourite of the series so far, I just loved reading this story from Gavon’s perspective, especially after we were led to believe he was a villainous characters. It was spellbindingly well written and engaging, a book that I literally could not put down. It provided an incredible backstory that makes the series even more exciting. After reading all the books in the series so far, and with the incredible quality and enticement of each of the series, I can only imagine the thrills and excitement the final book in this series will bring!
( I received a digital copy of the book. Thanks to S. Usher Evans !!! )
Wow! I really liked this book. It was good to see things from Gavon's perspective. And the climax told me that I'd been right about James. This series has become really dear to me and the might have become some what a favourite of mine. Truly this is really a very good series and must be read by everyone. Anyone can find something to like in it as it has osmething for everyone.
I'm feeling a bit wistful now though as the next book would be the last in the series. One thing's for sure though that I'd be re- reading it again soon.
OMG !!What a wonderful back story. This is Gavon and Mora's back story . Of cores Cyrus as well we can't forget this evil devil( my opinion) We see why Cyrus and Gavon hate each other so much. We find out more about why Lixie knows nothing about here magic. Along with so much more. I read through this book so fast given it was so good. The book ends with Lixie moving into her college dorm where we will pick up in book four. Can't wait to read .
We learn of Gavon's back story in this amazingly awesome book. An emotional roller-coaster that will leave you sad, happy and we'll, an emotional wreck in some cases. This story broke my heart in so many ways. It was great to learn about Gavon from when he was younger, that was a treat. When you read this, you'll need the next book immediately because you'll be anxious to see how the story unfolds and ultimately ends.
Wow!!!! I seriously could not put this book down!!!!! I highly suggest this series to anyone and everyone who loves books about magic! Seriously. Get these books!!! I can not wait for the 4th book!
Such as fantastic addition to the Lexie story; the change in narrative point of view really opens up a lot of this magical universe that Lexie herself doesn't have access to, and it was great fun getting to know her father as a character.